Popular Smartphones Entering Last Year of Software Support
Many popular smartphones, including the Samsung Galaxy S23, Google Pixel 7, and Motorola Edge 2024, are in their final year of software support. After support ends, devices will no longer receive security updates, leaving sensitive data vulnerable.
When buying a smartphone, it's important to know how long it will receive updates. Many devices are nearing the end of software support, after which they will no longer receive security patches. This means your data could become vulnerable to newly discovered threats.
Samsung
Samsung's support policy varies by model. Flagships get up to seven years, mid-range devices five or six, and budget models four years. The following models will reach end of life by the end of 2027:
- Samsung Galaxy A14 (May 2023) – security updates until May 2027
- Samsung Galaxy A54 5G (March 2023) – security updates until May 2027
- Samsung Galaxy S23, S23+, S23 Ultra (February 2023) – security updates until February 2028
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4, Z Flip4 (August 2022) – security updates until August 2027
- Samsung Galaxy A53 5G (April 2022) – security updates until April 2027
- Samsung Galaxy S22, S22+, S22 Ultra (February 2022) – security updates until February 2027
- Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G (January 2022) – security updates until January 2027
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3, Z Flip3 (August 2021) – security updates until August 2026
Google Pixel 8 and newer devices get seven years of updates, while older models get five years. These Pixel models are approaching end of life:
- Google Pixel 7 Pro (October 2022) – EOL October 2027
- Google Pixel 7 (October 2022) – EOL October 2027
- Google Pixel 6a (July 2022) – EOL July 2027
- Google Pixel 6 Pro (October 2021) – EOL October 2026
- Google Pixel 6 (October 2021) – EOL October 2026
Motorola
Motorola's support is more limited, typically two to three years. After EU requirements, the company improved its policy for newer devices but still does not guarantee Android updates. Models nearing end of life:
- Moto G (December 2024) – EOL December 2027
- Moto G Stylus 5G (May 2024) – EOL May 2027
- Motorola Edge 2024 (May 2024) – EOL May 2027
- Moto G Power 5G (May 2024) – EOL March 2027
- Moto G 5G (March 2024) – EOL March 2027
- Moto G Play (January 2024) – EOL January 2027
- Motorola Razr (September 2023) – EOL September 2027
- Motorola Razr+ (June 2023) – EOL June 2027
- Motorola Edge+ (May 2023) – EOL May 2027
Apple
Apple does not publish end-of-life dates, but iPhones typically receive iOS updates for 5–7 years. This year's iOS 27 will run on the iPhone 11 series (released 2019), which may be its last major update. Apple Intelligence features are only available on iPhone 15 Pro and later. Apple continues to release security patches for older iPhones; for example, the iPhone 6s received an update in May 2026.
What to do if your phone is nearing end of support
Experts advise against buying the models listed above if they are on sale. If you already own such a phone, keep updating apps, avoid unsecured public Wi-Fi, do not install apps from unofficial sources, and be cautious with links in emails. However, the safest option is to upgrade to a newer model as soon as your budget allows.
